Antibacterial activity of synthetic peptides against plant pathogenic Pectobacterium species

The aim of the work was to check the antibacterial activity of three synthetic peptides: CAMEL, Iseganan and Pexiganan as well as their possible application against plant pathogenic bacteria from the species Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pc) and Pectobacterium chrysanthemi (Pch). The antibacterial activity of the three chosen synthetic peptides was evaluated with the use of two tests: minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration. The CAMEL proved to be the most effective peptide, inhibiting the growth of different species of Pectobacterium in concentrations ranging from 2 to 8 mu g/ml. Iseganan and Pexiganan also demonstrated activity against Pectobacterium sp., but it was lower than CAMEL. The CAMEL was able to inhibit Pc and Pch bacterial growth and tissue maceration in pathogenicity tests performed on potato tuber slices.